Assessment And Determination Of Corn Harvesting Losses To Introduce Appropriate Strategy For Decreasing Losses

Corn harvesting involves some losses. These losses result in decreased benefits. It is almost impossible to lower losses to zero percent but it can be controlled in an acceptable level. As a result of this research, appropriate methods are introduced to decrease losses and reduce waste. In this project, losses in different part of combine were measured and evaluated according to the available standard method. Harvesting losses include preharvest and during harvest losses comprising ear loss and kernal loss in the header, beater and cleaning losses. This project was conducted on farmers&rsquolands in Gazvin province. Some assessments related to yield factors were evaluated in different parts of farm with specified area, e.g. Plant height, ear number, stem diameter, ear diameter, cob diameter, row/ear and seed/row. All losses evaluated in three treatments which they were: seed moisture content (w.b.) In three levels of 19%, 23% and 27%, ground speed in three levels of 0.8, 1.2 and 1.6 m/s and beeter speed of 400, 600 and 800 rpm. The split plot experimental design based on the randomised complete block design (RCBD) was used to evaluate treatments. Measured losses compared with standard values to introduce the proper methods to decrease losses and proper adjustments. The results show that appropriate seed moisture content, beeter speed and ground speed were 23%, 400 rpm and 1.2 m/s, respectively. They had minimum total loss which were 1.55%, 2.65% and 2.34%, respectivily. The results also show that there was an ear loss in preharvest loss (because of bad weather condition) that was 0.95-5.42%, also kernal loss on the header and beeter loss which all related to improper adjustment of combine but total loss was in an acceptable level and standard. It was variable from 1.55% to 4.02%. Other parameters such as using inexperienced driver, improper combine adjustment, and also nonuniformity of field and ear moisture content in different parts of field prevent using the outputs and recommendations of this research.